Best places to visit in Switzerland
Most beautiful places in Switzerland
Due to its small size in the center of Europe, the best places to visit in Switzerland are concentrated within short distances of each other. The center stage of Switzerland is occupied by the Alps. Zermatt with the Matterhorn is among the most beautiful places in Switzerland and is a must for every visitor.
Upon spotting the Matterhorn, which is part of the loftiest Alps in the Valais, you will be overwhelmingly excited by its impressive beauty. Experience the breathtaking scenery in this charming, traffic-free mountain resort.
The fame of Lucerne as a tourist resort is legendary and it is often considered to be the touristic Swiss capital. This charming and attractive town straddles the Reuss River on the western edge of Lake Lucerne and makes an excellent base for excursions with its proximity to lakes and mountains as well as a base for venturing south towards the Alps and the Ticino.
A good way to see Lucerne and Central Switzerland is from the Pilatus: a towering monument of a mountain with a view like a vision. It only takes one hour to reach the famous 7000-ft. landmark of Lucerne.
Car Free Destinations
9 Switzerland destinations are car free. No traffic noises and nature pure! These resorts are popular with families and hiking enthusiasts and they all make for a very relaxed vacation in some of the best places to visit in Switzerland.
Mountain Paradise
Switzerland includes some of the most spectacular mountain rides in the world, which are amongst the best Switzerland tourist attractions. Cogwheel trains and cable cars take travelers up to the peaks. Views of the surrounding mountains down into the valleys are breathtaking. Many mountain excursions can also be combined with hiking, skiing and other activities. This mountains are considered the top attractions in Switzerland. Mt. Schilthorn boasts of a revolving panorama restaurant, Mt. Pilatus includes the steepest cogwheel train in the world (May - October) and from Gornergrat you have the best views of the Matterhorn.
Zermatt
Zermatt's touristic development is closely linked to what is most probably the world's most famous mountain, the Matterhorn. This treasure chest of a vacation destination is car-free, has preserved its original character and offers nearly unlimited possibilities as far as winter and summer Switzerland activities and excursions alike.
Lucerne
Lucerne includes an impressive mountain panorama as a backdrop to the city. Thanks to its tourist attractions including the wooden bridge and its charming Old Town, Lucerne has become Switzerland’s favorite city destination. A beautiful lakeside setting and the famous mountains Mt. Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn have made this destination a must stop for most travel groups and individuals on their journey through central Switzerland. As the touristic capital of the country, Lucerne is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland.
St. Moritz
St. Moritz is among the best-known and most prestigious ski resorts in Switzerland and in the world. The name 'St. Moritz' stands for a 'chic, vibrant and elegant' town. Many rich and famous enjoy second homes in a special atmosphere and a dry, tingling champagne climate! It takes 2 hours by train from Chur to St. Moritz.
Berne
Berne is the Capital city of Switzerland and its Old Town is under UNESCO protection. Not many cities have managed to retain their historic features quite as successfully as Berne. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes its 6 kilometers of arcades which makes the city the longest weather-sheltered shopping promenades of Europe.
Geneva
The French-speaking city of Geneva is embedded between nearby Alpine peaks, the River Rhone and Lake Geneva. This Swiss city has a cosmopolitan flair and its humanitarian tradition is known all over the world. Because its the European seat of the UNO and the headquarters of the Red Cross it is also referred to as the Capital of Peace.
Lugano
Lugano is the largest town of the Italian speaking canton of Ticino. It is also Switzerland's third most important financial center for conferences, banking and business. With Mediterranean flair, Lugano offers all the advantages of a world-class city, combined with the cachet of a small town. Both the Bernina Express and the Gotthard Panorama Express start/end in Lugano.
Zurich
Visitors will find the biggest Swiss City next to the waters of Lake Zurich. Apart from being the financial capital of Switzerland, Zurich is the most flamboyant city and has the liveliest nightlife in Switzerland. Activities include lake cruises, recreational walks along the lake promenade and the nearby forest, a visit to a river- or lakeside bathing area, or an excursion to Uetliberg Mountain. For visitors young and old, Zurich is among the best places to visit in Switzerland.
Murren
Murren is a cosy resort on a sunny plateau which offers best hiking and skiing experiences. It is the starting point to get up to Mt. Schilhorn which is also referred to as the James Bond Mountain, one of the Switzerland tourist attractions. You will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountain range.
Grindelwald
Grindelwald lies in the Bernese Oberland at the foot of the famous Eiger North Face. Numerous lookout points and activities make Grindelwald one of the most popular and cosmopolitan holiday and excursion destinations in Switzerland.
Basel
Basel with its 40 museums has the highest concentration of museums in Switzerland. But the Swiss city is also famous for a beautiful Old Town, modern architecture, and the Rhine. Cruises from Amsterdam end at the pier in Basel.
Interlaken
The gateway town of Interlaken between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is the start of for many winter and summer activities. One of the best places to visit in Switzerland is Jungfrau Joch – on this most famous excursion you ascent via cogwheel train all the way up to Mt. Jungfrau.
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What to do in Switzerland
Best places to visit
Car-free destination
Swiss Alps
Transportation in Switzerland
Swiss Rail Passes
Scenic Trains
Switzerland sample Itineraries
Vacation Planner
Grand Tour of Switzerland
Location and Map
Switzerland is located in Central Europe and is landlocked. Its neighbors are Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein. The main 3 airports are Zurich (ZRH), Geneva (GVA) and Basel-Mulhouse (BSL / MLH).